Itron Report Reveals 81% of North American Utilities Already Use AI

Core Insights - North American utilities are rapidly adopting AI and data analytics, with 41% of executives reporting full integration of AI technologies, significantly ahead of the previous year's forecast of 27% [2][4] - The industry is under pressure from increasing demand due to manufacturing growth, electrification, and AI data centers, necessitating the modernization of infrastructure [3][4] Group 1: AI Adoption and Impact - The pace of AI adoption in utilities is unprecedented, viewed as a resilience strategy rather than a trend, with applications in predictive maintenance, hazard detection, and customer service [4][6] - 57% of executives see AI as crucial for optimizing grid performance, including load balancing and reducing energy loss [6] - Safety is a primary concern, with 53% of executives highlighting AI's role in hazard detection, enabling quicker responses than traditional methods [6] Group 2: Demand Forecasting and Customer Engagement - Demand forecasting is identified as a top priority by 51% of utility leaders, enhancing energy management and renewable integration for improved service reliability [6] - Consumer expectations are rising, with 57% of executives citing customer support as a significant challenge, driven by demands for personalized insights and proactive notifications [6]